All in the Family: 8 Famous Sets of Siblings

Some families produce an overachiever who goes on to change the world as we know it. Some families even produce multiple overachievers—siblings who have left their mark, one way or another, usually with positive consequences but sometimes not. Here are some notable examples of famous siblings, in no particular order, who have had an impact on history.

Henry and William James

The James brothers left their marks on literature, psychology, and philosophy. Henry (1843–1916) was a noted writer. His reputation grew over the course of his long and productive career, and he was recognized as one of the most-influential American authors. Some of his most-acclaimed novels include The American (1877), Daisy Miller (1879), The Portrait of a Lady (1881), The Bostonians (1886), and The Ambassadors (1903). William (1842–1910) was a philosopher and psychologist known for his prominence in the philosophical movement of pragmatism and the psychological movement of functionalism. He wrote the definitive and innovative book The Principles of Psychology (1890), a classic in the field.

Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë

The Brontë sisters may not have lived long lives or had a plethora of literary accomplishments, but their work left an impact on the literary world nonetheless. Charlotte (1816–55) was best noted for Jane Eyre (1847), which is widely considered a classic. Emily (1818–48) wrote Wuthering Heights (1847). It was her only novel but is held as one of the finest in the English language. Anne (1820–49) was a poet and novelist, and she wrote Agnes Grey (1847) and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848).

Wright Brothers

Wilbur (1867–1912) and his brother Orville (1871–1948) Wright changed the history of travel and aviation with their achievements in the early 20th century. They grew up in a home where, according to Orville, “there was always much encouragement to children to pursue intellectual interests; to investigate whatever aroused curiosity.” Perhaps that is why Wilbur and Orville became noted for their mechanical genius and inclination toward relentless experimentation and refinement. The brothers designed a printing press and built bicycles before turning their attention to aeronautics in the late 19th century. They are credited with the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight, which occurred on December 17, 1903.

Brothers Grimm

Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Carl Grimm (1786–1859) are famous around the world for Grimm’s Fairy Tales, their classic collection of folk songs and folktales. The brothers’ collection is the earliest “scientific” collection of folktales and became a model for the collecting of folktales everywhere. The collection also led to the birth of the science of folklore (as well as some nightmares for readers who found the stories to be a bit…horrifying). But that’s not all the brothers are known for: Jacob also did important work in historical linguistics and Germanic philology.

George and Ira Gershwin

Gershwin, George; Gershwin, IraEverett Collection Inc./age fotostock

George and Ira Gershwin left their impact on the world of music. George (1898–1937), who wrote for Broadway and composed for orchestra and for piano, was one of the most-important American composers of all time. Some of his best-known works include the musical composition Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and the dramatic folk opera Porgy and Bess (1935). George began music lessons at age 11 on a piano that his parents had initially purchased with his older brother Ira (1896–1983) in mind, but they changed course when George’s musical talent became obvious. Ira wrote lyrics for much of George’s music as well as for the music of others. Some of his best-known works as a lyricist are the song “Fascinating Rhythm” and Porgy and Bess.

Marx Brothers

The Marx Brothers—Chico (1887–1961), Harpo (1888–1964), Groucho (1890–1977), Gummo (1892–1977), and Zeppo (1901–79)—made waves on the American comedy scene during much of the 20th century, especially in the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, performing onstage and in the movies. The nephews of a vaudeville star, the brothers got their start performing in burlesque and vaudeville, drawing on music, song, dance, and comedy to fill out their act. The four oldest brothers initially formed the troupe until Zeppo replaced Gummo. The Marx Brothers eventually branched out into the movies, making such notable films as Duck Soup (1933), A Night at the Opera (1935), and A Day at the Races (1937). Throughout their lives the brothers performed not only onstage and in films but also on radio, on television, and in nightclubs. Groucho had a particularly long career, which included a comedy quiz show, You Bet Your Life, that debuted on radio in 1947 before moving to television in 1950, where it ran until 1961.

Venus and Serena Williams

Williams, Venus; Williams, SerenaVenus (left) and Serena Williams revolutionized women's tennis with their powerful style of play; the sisters were among the most-formidable players in the game in the early 21st century.William West—AFP/Getty Images

The world of women’s professional tennis hasn’t been the same since the Williams sisters burst on the scene in 1990s, bringing a new level of athleticism to the sport. Venus (born 1980) turned professional first, in 1994. From 2000 onward she won several Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles. Serena (born 1981) turned professional in 1995. Beginning in 1999, she racked up numerous French Open, U.S. Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon titles. Both sisters have won Olympic gold medals in the women’s singles and doubles events.

Edwin Booth (1833–93) was a renowned stage actor in the United States who won acclaim for his portrayal of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. His younger brother was also an actor and had notoriety stemming from theatre, but not from positive acclaim: John Wilkes Booth (1838–65) assassinated the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., in 1865.